Things to do near The Poipu Aloha House

The Poipu Aloha House sits on Ho'onani Road on Kauai's south shore, with beaches, snorkeling, gardens and Old Koloa Town all close by. Here are the places our guests love most. Hours and ocean conditions change, so check before you go.

On your own street

Koloa Landing

At the ocean end of Ho'onani Road, Koloa Landing is one of the south shore's best-known snorkel and dive spots, with large schools of fish, octopus and reef life. You enter from the old cement boat ramp and the water gets deep quickly. There is no lifeguard, so it suits confident snorkelers. Check conditions with the Poipu Beach Park lifeguards first and always swim with a buddy.

Waikomo Stream

Waikomo Stream runs right across the street. Listen to the water from the front lanai in the evening.

Beaches

Baby Beach

A five-minute stroll from the house, off Ho'ona Road. A natural rock reef shelters this sandy cove, so the water stays shallow and calm, ideal for toddlers and young kids. Honu (green sea turtles) and Hawaiian monk seals are often seen here; they are protected, so give them plenty of space. There is no lifeguard.

Kiahuna Beach

In front of the Sheraton, where past guests have walked for sunrise and spotted turtles in the waves.

Poipu Beach Park

A short drive away, with daily lifeguards, a natural wading pool for young swimmers, restrooms, showers and picnic tables. From December through April, watch for humpback whales offshore.

Mahaulepu Heritage Trail

A 3.8-mile out-and-back coastal walk from the southeast end of Shipwreck Beach toward Mahaulepu Beach. Go in the morning, bring water and a hat, and swim only on calm days, as there are no lifeguards.

Sights and gardens

Spouting Horn

A blowhole off Lawai Road that can shoot spray close to 50 feet into the air. Beautiful in the golden hours. Stay behind the barriers and off the lava shelf.

National Tropical Botanical Garden

Across from Spouting Horn, McBryde Garden (252 acres) and Allerton Garden (100 acres) hold one of the world's great collections of native Hawaiian plants. Tours run through the valley; book ahead in summer.

Old Koloa Town

Koloa opened Hawaii's first sugar mill in 1835. Today its plantation-era storefronts hold shops, cafes and ice cream under the monkeypod trees. Drive in through the Tree Tunnel, a stretch of eucalyptus on Maluhia Road planted about a century ago.

Eat, shop and play

The Shops at Kukui'ula

Restaurants, shopping and cafes within walking distance of the house.

Poipu Beach Athletic Club

Membership is included with your stay: resort-style pools, a family pool with a waterslide, fitness facilities, tennis and pickleball.

Local favourites

Koloa Fish Market for poke and plate lunch, and Sueoka's Snack Shop in Koloa town. Check current hours before you go.